Airlines that offer lifetime status.... To move to the next level, does the mile/ segment count start from zero, or from the specified level?

For example, if lifetime status is set at Prem EX on UA, must one fly 100,000 miles to get to 1K, or just fly 40,000 (the difference between the two levels)?

[This message has been edited by zrs70 (edited 09-19-2000).]

I am too trying to find out about the lifetime status deal with CO.

AFANG, There isn't a current one you can get... I suggest that you go out of your hotelroom get a beer and chill out!

[This message has been edited by cigarman (edited 09-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by cigarman (edited 09-19-2000).]

Cigarman, I thnk i'll do just that, as you might have known already, i am a NW traitor

zrs:

I'm a little confused by your question. On UA, the only way you can get lifetime elite status is to become a million-mile flyer. You have to fly 1,000,000 actual miles on UA metal (no Star Alliance flights qualify for this or any bonus miles). You can earn elite status for a membership period but you must requalify each period. Hope this helps you.

------------------
Regards,
- Anna

Nw will send you a letter when you reach 1 million miles!

AnnaS is correct

I might add: my last UA-code-share-transatlantic-flights on LH-metal did add to my life-time-miles with UA too - this is probably a bug ... but I don't mind. The reason for the 'bug' is probably UA's rule to count those flights equal to UA flights for status bonus, etc. Those flights did 'qualify' last year (when I was 1K) also for UA's 10'000 miles rule regarding NorthAmerican-upgrade-vouchers ...). I didn't mind either ...

Zrs - the answer is you need to fly all 100K miles to reach the top level not just the 50K or 40 segment difference.

I think that the logic behind Lifetime status is supposed to be that most people attain their regular status by flying for their jobs and due to their extreme loyalty over the years of flying with an airline and attaining the Million Mile status, they would receive the same(or similar)status benefits in their retirement. When they wouldn't (theoretically) be flying as often and could no longer attain it on their own.

I think the issue is this.

Someone gets a million miles and becomes
permanent 1P. How does this flier get to 1K? Answer: by flying 100000 miles or the requisite number of segments in a calendar year. Permanent premier exec doesn't (so far as I've heard) give a 50000 leg up on 1K status.


BTW, AnnaS, you have mail: don't buy that
theatre ticket.

RR, are you serious? "What does it say?", the gullible NW million-program-miler asks.

As per the threads here, the answer is NO.

To rephrase, for example, Million Miler status on United gives you lifetime Premier Executive (50,000) status. If you are a MM and want to achieve 1K, must you fly the entire 100,000, or just 50,000 (the difference between Premier Executive, which you are guaranteed, and 1K). The answer is the whole 100,000.

This applies with every airline. Including Delta. Of course, if you have lifetime top-tier (TWA for a million miler or CO based on discontinuted program--see CO board) this point is moot.

Similarly, Centurion Black card holders get free mid-tier status in a variety of airlines. It is my understanding that they must still fly 100,000 to achieve the top level. For example, they get free Gold Medallion status on Delta Air Lines. But if they want Platinum, they must fly the entire 100,000 miles, not just 50 (the difference between GOLd and Platinum).

BizJet

The Northwest Million Mile letter tells you you've flown the equivalent of several trips to the moon and back, thanks you, and informs that you will be receiving special luggage tags. There used to be some really great gifts as well. My first million miles was a CD clock radio, pair of good binnoculars, and some other goodies. That was for a million TOTAL miles. The gifts have gradually declined, and now only the "actual" million miles are recognized. I think for my "actual" million about four years ago they sent a leather portfolio and insulated picnic bag. And, of course, the luggage tags.

I am flying less now with retirement, but I still fly Northwest, and on the whole they still treat me well.